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Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black)

  • No Longer Available
  • B&H # PEOW90B
  • Mfr# 16411

Product Highlights

  • 12.1 Megapixels
  • Rugged, Shockproof, Coldproof
  • Waterproof Up to 20' (6.1 m)
  • 5X Wide Angle Zoom (28-140mm equivalent)
  • Large 2.7" LCD (16:9 Aspect Ratio)
  • Digital Microscope Mode-LED Lighting
  • Advanced Pixel Track Shake Reduction
  • Face Detection (Up to 32 Faces)
  • HD (720p) Movie Recording

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Remember the Essentials

Sufficient memory is not included.
Don't get caught without memory, get a high-capacity memory card.

The Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera is ideal for the adventurous photographer as it allows shooting in extreme environmental conditions. It is waterproof to up to 20' (6.1 m), great for snorkeling, boating or shooting in the rain or snow. It is also dustproof so you don't have to worry about ruined images due to external factors...so go ahead and shoot in a dust storm.

The Optio W90 will operate in temperatures ranging from 14 - 104°F (-10 - 40°C) and is shockproof for distances up to 4' (1.2 m) so you don't have to worry (too much) about damaging the camera should it slip from your hands when you forget to use the included wrist strap. Even the W90's 2.7" LCD display has a coating which allows you to preview your images without glare from external light.

Its wide range of advanced built-in shooting modes help to deliver images with optimal exposure and color balance. With 12.1 megapixels and its wide angle zoom lens (35mm equivalent 28-140mm) you can make impressive enlargements. The W90 has a unique Digital Microscope mode which incorporates a 3-LED lens lighting system for extreme macro photography. You can get in close to capture nature's tiny elements or for other applications such as industrial, medical and product photography.

Its advanced Face Detection technology will recognize up to 32 faces in an image field and you can even program it to automatically release the shutter the moment the your subjects' faces turn towards the 5x zoom lens. The Optio W90 also has 3 anti-shake modes so you can capture sharp images and HD (720p) movies, even in low light.

As Pentax's 11th generation waterproof digital camera, this rugged camera is ideal for any environment.
With the W90 you can dive for underwater picture-taking at depths up to 20' (6 m) and for up to 2 hours of continuous operation. 1
The Optio W90 also offers exceptional shockproof capacity to withstand a fall from a height of 4' (1.2 m) without damage to the body, thanks to its new body design and refined internal mechanisms. In addition to these characteristics, the Optio W90 comes with remarkable dustproof performance and exceptional performance at temperatures between 14 - 104°F (-10 - 40°C) so you can shoot under almost any environmental condition. 2
Combining a macro shooting capability from 0.4" (1cm) away with the Digital Zoom function, the Optio W90's Digital Microscope mode delivers a magnified view of tiny subjects difficult to observe closely with the naked eye. Thanks to 3 LED macro lights installed on the face of the lens barrel, the subject is clearly and brightly displayed on the LCD monitor even when the camera is held at a distance at which it casts a shadow on the subject. 3
The Optio W90 features a Face Detection AF & AE function, which instantly and accurately detects up to 32 faces in the image field, then catches them in sharp focus and optimum exposure in just 0.03 seconds.
The Small Face filter detects not only human faces, but also the faces of pets or other animals. When you select pre-registered dog or cat faces (up to 3 choices), the camera automatically detects them and optimizes focus and exposure. You can even program the camera to automatically release the shutter the moment the subject's face turns straight toward the camera.
The Optio W90 captures movie clips at 16:9 high-definition TV proportions (1280 x 720 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. This mode also offers a variety of editing functions: Still images can be extracted from movie clips; title images can be added to the beginning and/or end of a movie clip; and more. The Optio W90 also provides an HDMI micro terminal for audio/video signal output. 4
Combining approximately 12.1 effective megapixels with the Pentax-developed imaging engine and the high-performance Pentax zoom lens, the Optio W90 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when images are enlarged to larger sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.
On the back of its small body, the Optio W90 features a large 2.7" high-brightness color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 dots and horizontally extended 16:9 proportions. This monitor is treated with a special AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to cut the glare of external light and minimize annoying reflections, making it easy to view recorded images and on-screen menus even in bright sunlight.
When capturing still images, the Optio W90's Pixel Track SR (Shake Reduction) effectively compensates for camera shake by processing affected images. When the Optio W90 detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, it automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed. This effectively minimizes the adverse effects of camera shake and subject shake under poor lighting conditions. During movie recording, the Optio W90 prevents blurry images by effectively minimizing annoying camera shake through the use of exclusive software. 5
Thanks to its large, horizontally extended LCD monitor, the Optio W90 offers the innovative Subscreen Input function. This allows the user to display a thumbnail of a recorded image in the upper left corner of the LCD panel, so it can be used as a reference. This comes in handy when the photographer wants to shoot subjects from the same angle and at the same image size every time (such as photographing prepared food in the same way to compile a recipe file), or when the user wants to constantly keep a favorite image on the screen.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Optio W90 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 5 - 25mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to approximately 28mm - 140mm). Thanks to this wide zoom range, the Optio W90 can be used for a wide variety of subjects and scenes, from spectacular landscape and group shots to tightly framed snapshots taken from a distance.
Take perfect portraits with fast Face Detection (up to 32 faces), Smile Capture, Blink Detection, and processing modes specifically designed for portraiture.
Capture images remotely with infrared remote control capabilities.
An autofocus assist lamp helps to quickly and accurately focus, even in challenging lighting.
Use the Collage function to compose a single picture from multiple images.
The Ink Rubbing filter can create a monochromatic, high-contrast image from a recorded image.
The Auto Picture mode automatically selects one of the eight shooting modes for the optimum result.
Choose from 12 digital filters add distinctive visual effects to recorded images.
A carabiner strap is included for hooking the camera to a backpack or other outdoor gear.
MediaImpression 2.0 software for Pentax image viewing, editing and filing software is included (compatible with latest operation systems, such as Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6).
Imaging
Resolution Effective: 12.1 Megapixel, Actual Pixels: 12.39 Megapixel
Sensor 1/2.3" CCD
File Formats Still Images: JPEG
Movies: AVI
Audio: WAV
Max Resolution 12MP: 4000 x 3000 @ 4:3
Other Resolutions 7MP: 3072 x 2304 @ 4:3
5MP: 2592 x 1944 @ 4:3
3MP: 2048 x 1536 @ 4:3
0.8MP: 1024 x 768 @ 4:3
0.3MP: 640 x 480 @ 4:3
9MP: 4000 x 2256 @ 16:9
5.3MP: 3072 x 1728 @ 16:9
3.8MP: 2592 x 1464 @ 16:9
2.1MP: 1920 x 1080 @ 16:9
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Stabilization Digital
Optics
Lens 11 elements in 9 groups
5 Aspheric
EFL: 5-25 mm (35mm equivalent: 28-140 mm)
Aperture: f/3.5 (W) - 5.5 (T)
Zoom Optical: 5x
Digital: 6.25x
Focus Range Normal: 1.64' (0.50 m) - Infinity
Macro: 6.46' (1.97 m) - 1.64' (0.50 m)
Super-Macro: 0.03' (0.91 cm) - 0.98' (29.87 cm)
Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 80-6400 1
Please Note:

Auto: 80-1600 auto range adjustable, Digital SR: 80-6400 (ISO 3200-6400 5MP or 3.8MP), Manual: 80-6400 (ISO 3200-6400 5MP or 3.8MP)

close
Shutter Type: Electronic
Speed: 1/4 - 1/1500 seconds
4 seconds in Night Scene Mode
Exposure Metering Multi
Exposure Modes Modes: Program
Compensation: -2 EV to +2 EV (in 1/3 EV steps)
White Balance Modes Auto, Daylight, Shade, Fluorescent, Manual
Burst Rate Up to 1.03 fps
Up to 2.7 fps at 5 MP for up to 6 frames
Up to 5 fps at 5 MP for up to 6 frames
Self Timer 2 Seconds, 10 Seconds
Interval Recording No
Remote Control Infrared (Optional)
Flash
Built-in Flash Yes: Auto, Flash On, Off, Red-eye Reduction
Effective Flash Range Wide: Up To 13' (3.96 m)
Telephoto: Up To 8.2' (2.50 m)
External Flash Connection None
Memory
Built-in Memory 26.7MB
Memory Card Type SD
SDHC
Recording
Video Recording Yes, NTSC/PAL
Video
Video Clip Length Not Specified By Manufacturer
Audio Recording With Video, Mono
Viewfinder/Display
Viewfinder Type None
Screen 2.7" LCD Widescreen (230000 pixels)
Connectivity/System Requirements
Connectivity USB 2.0
AV Output
HDMI A (Full Size)
Software Requirements Windows: XP, Vista, 7
Mac: OS X 10.3.9 or later
Power
Battery D-LI88 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
AC Power Adapter AC adapter available (Optional)
Physical
Dimensions (WxHxD) 4.2 x 2.3 x 1.0" / 106.68 x 58.42 x 25.40 mm
Weight 5.1 oz / 145  g (Camera only)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black)
 
4.2

(based on 71 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (29)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (33)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Compact (60)
  • Easy to use (56)
  • Large clear LCD (46)
  • Great resolution (32)
  • Zoom range/performance (26)

Cons

  • Short battery life (21)
  • Poor in low light (20)
  • No viewfinder (14)
  • Lag / shutter delay (7)
  • Complicated controls (3)

Best Uses

  • Travel (59)
  • Macro photography (34)
  • Family photos (31)
  • Sports/action (31)
  • Wildlife (25)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (25), Semi-pro photographer (23), Casual photographer (17), Pro photographer (5)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (40), Yes (6)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

About to purchase my 2nd W90.

My previous point and shoot Kodak stopped working after 4yrs and over 100k shots. Not wanting to resort to carrying my Pentax K7 everywhere I go, and knowing that there are some places where ...Read complete review

My previous point and shoot Kodak stopped working after 4yrs and over 100k shots. Not wanting to resort to carrying my Pentax K7 everywhere I go, and knowing that there are some places where you cannot carry a DSLR, it was time to replace the Kodak. The Optio W90 had my interest due to it being water, dust, and shock proof.

I was skeptical about buying this camera after reading numerous reviews about them leaking. Being a Pentaxian, I took my chances with it. The first thing I did when I got it (after reading the manual about using it under water) was dropped it into a bowl of water and shot some pictures while in the water. I pressed every button numerous times while it was under water. I pulled it out, dried it off, and opened up the compartments. Water never made it passed the seals. Since then, it has been in a swimming pool and at the beach. Still going strong with no leaks.

The microscope mode is pretty amazing for a camera this size. You really can get a good focus with something so close to the lens.

I carry this camera everywhere I go. I hook the carabiner to my belt loop and it remains there until I need it.

Image quality so far has not proved to have any complaints. After all, it is a small point and shoot camera. Chances are that you will be shooting anything that gets in front of your lens with it. Noise is acceptable, Image Stability works, and it records video. If you want better image quality, get a Pentax DSLR.

I've been using it on Program mode for the majority of my pictures. The Underwater Mode adds a magenta cast to the images to make up for the change of color while underwater. This works nicely in swimming pools.

The camera is easy to use for any level of photographer. If this is your first camera, you won't have any problems learning how to use it. Once you turn it on, it's pretty straight forward. Choose the Mode that fits what you want to take a picture of, then point and shoot.

My only real complaint is the short battery life with the battery that comes with the camera (700mah). Constantly using the LED lights in microscope mode will drain the battery fairly quickly. Batteries with a larger capacity can be had from your favorite auction website at a relatively cheap price. I have gotten two of them that are 1300mah and no longer have a problem with the battery running low in such a small amount of time.

My girlfriend (another Pentaxian - K20) has fallen in love with this camera and I will be buying her the Pistacio Green model very soon.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Nice Camera

Used a couple of times in the Surf. San Diego Small Surf so Far no leaks. The Camera takes very nice pictures. The Video is Good as well. The Camera Menu is easy....Read complete review

Used a couple of times in the Surf. San Diego Small Surf so Far no leaks. The Camera takes very nice pictures. The Video is Good as well. The Camera Menu is easy. The Software you load on the desktop is straight forward. I wish they included a good float and wrist strap with the camera. They Know you will want one or you wouldnt be buying a water camera DUH... The wrist strap that came with the camera was weak. It broke first time out in the water. Had a backup thank goodness.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 71 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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4.0

Great Little Camera

By Noah

from Columbia, SC

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy to Use
  • Fast Shutter Speed
  • Great Resolution
  • Large Clear LCD
  • Small / Compact

Cons

  • Poor in Low Light
  • Short Battery Life

Best Uses

  • Macro Photography
  • Travel
  • Video
  • Wildlife photos

Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

This Camera is great for outdoor pics. I love being able to carry it in my pocket in any weather, or location, i.e. sandy beach, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, hiking, playing in the snow.
The macro function is incredible!!! Lens holds up great. Very hard to scratch.
I had the shutter button freeze up on me, but other than that it's been excellent!

  • Ease of Operation:
  • 10
  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Comment on this review

 
4.0

Great beach camera!

By Can you own too many cameras?

from Shawnee, KS

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy to Use
  • Large Clear LCD
  • Small / Compact

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Travel
    • Wildlife photos

    Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

    Bought this camera after my favorite Sony was dropped on the kitchen floor and died (didn't even hit that hard - apparently hit just "right").

    I was looking for something more rugged. The waterproof and sandproof options were just a bonus when I ordered it. But we took it on a trip to FL and it was great to have on the beach and NOT have to worry about it dropping in the sand or in the water.

    My son took fun underwater movies and photos in the pool....perfect photos!

    This is definitely not my main camera....but great for the beach or the pool. Or when I'm walking a site for work and need something I don't have to be quite so careful with.

    I would recommend it.

    • Ease of Operation:
    • 7
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    This IS it!

    By Hammer

    from Chattanooga, TN

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy to Use
    • Fast Shutter Speed
    • Great Resolution
    • Great Zoom
    • Large Clear LCD
    • Small / Compact

    Cons

    • No Viewfinder
    • Poor in Low Light

    Best Uses

    • Family Photos
    • Kayaking
    • Macro Photography
    • Rock Climbing
    • Skiing
    • Travel

    Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

    Skiing, Kayaking, Hiking, Rock Climbing, Cliff Jumping into the lake, THIS THING WILL TAKE IT ALL. And still perform! After much, much reading reviews, watching sample videos, and learning everything this camera does the thing that impressed me most was the panoramic mode. If you can match the ghost image, you get one awesome pan, made in-camera. Pair the W90 with an Apex 30 case, Joby mini Gorillapod, extra battery, you will have one outdoor adventure ready set-up. Get the screen protectors, like other reviewers said, the caribiner will swing around and smack the screen.

    Only bad thing I can think to bring up would be the glare you can get when you put the sun to your subjects back. I guess this is caused by the lens being totally enclosed behind a layer of glass(waterproofing). And not a big deal, but I thought the LED lights on the front would have been brighter, but they are definitely useful in microscope mode.

    Get 2 batteries, this thing will go through 2 on a day of heavy use. Light use will get you several outings with one charge.

    Also, be sure to get a class 4 or better card to get unlimited video recording. I have two 8gb class 4 cards and have had no problems.

    • Ease of Operation:
    • 8
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    I would buy this product again and again

    By The man from Brazil

    from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy to Use
    • Fast Shutter Speed
    • Good Battery Life
    • Good in Low Light
    • Great Resolution
    • Great Zoom
    • Large Clear LCD
    • Small / Compact

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Family Photos
      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Macro Photography
      • Sports/Action
      • Travel
      • Video

      Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

      I use this camera all day.

      • Ease of Operation:
      • 10
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Great camera

      By p7k

      from chicago il

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy to Use
      • Large Clear LCD
      • Small / Compact

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Macro Photography
        • Sports/Action
        • Travel

        Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

        works great under water

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        Nice Buy

        By James Tralle

        from Minnesota

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to Use
        • Good Battery Life
        • Options are extensive
        • Small / Compact

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Travel
          • UNDERWATER
          • Video

          Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

          Nice size, nice underwater video and pics, nice battery strength, nice buy.

          • Ease of Operation:
          • 7
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          1.0

          2 megapixel quality in a 12 megapixel

          By Vittands

          from Troy, MI

          About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Small / Compact

          Cons

          • Poor Image Quality
          • Poor Image Stabilization

          Best Uses

            Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

            Whether the specific camera or a more general problem, the photo quality was poor, and there were frequent multiple flare spots. The little raised "v" gasket seemed fragile immediately around the card and battery compartment left considerable space between the body and the compartment cover for water or dust to seep in.

            • Ease of Operation:
            • 6
            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Good Camera

            By sanguinetti78

            from Sao Paulo, BR

            About Me Photo Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy to Use
            • Good in Low Light
            • Small / Compact

            Cons

            • Lag / Shutter Delay
            • Short Battery Life

            Best Uses

            • Macro Photography
            • Travel

            Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

            I took some pictures with my W90 and I really liked of the results. The cam is easy to operate and its aquatic pictures are too sharp. In resume, Optio is a good waterproof camera for amateurs.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            4.0

            Great Camera

            By Bob

            from Broomall,PA

            About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy to Use
            • Great Resolution
            • Great Zoom
            • Large Clear LCD
            • Small / Compact

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Macro Photography
              • Travel

              Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

              Use for close up photos in wet and dusty conditions

              • Ease of Operation:
              • 8
              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Great Camera

              By davidk331

              from Lyman, SC

              About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Fast Shutter Speed
              • Good Battery Life
              • Great Resolution
              • Large Clear LCD

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Macro Photography
                • Travel

                Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                Got this camera for use in Iraq. Has worked great in all situations. Simple to use, takes good pics.

                • Ease of Operation:
                • 7
                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Excellent rugged camera

                By General Smyth

                from New Brunswick

                About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast Shutter Speed
                • Great Zoom
                • Large Clear LCD
                • Small / Compact
                • waterproof

                Cons

                • Poor in Low Light

                Best Uses

                • Sports/Action
                • Travel
                • Wildlife photos

                Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                Excellent purchase, I needed a tough camera to take camping or backpacking instead of my expensive SLRs and this fits the bill very well! The camera's build quality is fantastic and does surprisingly well shooting outdoors, however the low-light performance is keeping me from giving it a full 5 stars. All-in-all, probably the best rugged camera on the market right now.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                Fun, good for snoorking, really cool

                By Arthur

                from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

                About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                • Easy to Use
                • Fast Shutter Speed
                • Large Clear LCD
                • Small / Compact

                Cons

                • Short Battery Life

                Best Uses

                • Family Photos
                • Macro Photography
                • Travel

                Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                I use this product to take pictures of my grandchild in the beach, water park and swimming pool and outdoor activities.
                It's a good camara for all kind of photos. The auto focus and exposure was excellent virtually every time.
                Excelent for outdoor pictures and videos.
                This camera is everything you would expect after reading what it can do.
                To maximize the picture quality and HD video at 720p resolution I would highly recommend an good SDHC class 10 card and also get a extra battery.

                VERY IMPORTANT: Don't buy the recommended by B&H MINI HDMI Video Cable. This camara uses a MICRO HDMI CABLE.

                • Ease of Operation:
                • 10
                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Took a lickin'

                By Rigo

                from Scottsdale, AZ

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy to Use
                • Fast Shutter Speed
                • Great Zoom
                • Large Clear LCD
                • Small / Compact

                Cons

                • No Viewfinder

                Best Uses

                • Sports/Action
                • Travel
                • Video
                • Wildlife photos

                Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                Used the camera for winter fly fishing trip as well as ski trip over last 2 weeks. Not an issue with it, construction was solid and did all I asked it to do, even underwater pics in a rapidly flowing river with water temps of 35degrees. Menus are less intuitive than my Canon digital cameras, but easy enough to use and learn. Image quality seems good as well. Camera is lightweight, easily secured with carabiner, and battery life was better than expected given comments I had read stating otherwise.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Awesome!!!

                By MountainAdv

                from ADKs, NY

                About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy to Use
                • Good Battery Life
                • Great Resolution
                • Large Clear LCD
                • Small / Compact

                Cons

                • Poor in Low Light

                Best Uses

                • Travel
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife photos

                Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                This is a great point and shoot! Very Durable and Lightweight! I was used to lugging my Nikon D-60 up the mountain only to use it once or twice because of how dificult it was to get to. Now I strap this little rugged guy on my side pack without worrying about it getting broke!!

                • Ease of Operation:
                • 10
                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Solid little camera

                By Greg

                from Wenatchee, WA

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Great for outdoor shots
                • Small / Compact

                Cons

                • Poor in Low Light

                Best Uses

                • Macro Photography
                • Travel

                Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                I was surprised at the small size. I wasn't expecting it to be so small, yet it is a very solid little camera. Easily fits in a shirt pocket. It's great for having with you all the time for those unexpected moments. Low light and indoor shots are poor, but it may be my lack of experience with the camera at this point. Only had it for a couple weeks now. I spend most of my time working outside and I bought this camera due to my continuous exposure to the elements and all the great photo ops that were wasted with a cell phone camera.

                • Ease of Operation:
                • 5
                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                Rugged Pocket Shooter - Excellent Macros

                By Greybeard Lou

                from Suburban Washington, DC

                About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                • Easy to Use
                • Good in Low Light
                • Large Clear LCD
                • Microscope Mode
                • Shock Resistant
                • Small / Compact
                • waterproof

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Macro Photography
                  • Travel

                  Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                  I bought this camera from B&H to keep in my pocket at work as a Service Writer at a motorcycle dealership, where I am often tasked to provide photo evidence of failed or cosmetically flawed parts to the manufacturer for warranty claims. The Optio W90 is perfect for this purpose, since its Microscope "macro" mode lights the subject with three built-in LEDs and provides excellent close-up ability (it focuses to 1cm). Microscope mode limits the resolution to about 2MP, but that's just right for emailing to manufacturers and my customers.
                  I own larger, much more expensive equipment capable of high resolution macro photography, but in a shop situation where convenience and resistance to shock and contaminants are more important than making huge prints, the Pentax Optio W90 is quite possibly the perfect choice.

                  • Ease of Operation:
                  • 10
                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  3.0

                  good little camera

                  By pipian

                  from denver, co

                  About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy to Use
                  • Small / Compact

                  Cons

                  • Limited Zoom
                  • No Viewfinder

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                    Easy to use, sharp clear photos for a pint ans shoot. I take it on hikes in the rain or along the coast.

                    • Ease of Operation:
                    • 8
                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                    (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    GREAT CAMERA

                    By alex

                    from san diego

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy to Use

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Family Photos
                      • Travel

                      Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                      We bought this for my sister for christmas she just started to use it but so far she is really happy.

                      • Ease of Operation:
                      • 9
                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • Yes

                      Comment on this review

                      (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                       
                      4.0

                      "Hawaii, here I come!"

                      By snorkelforfun

                      from georgetown, tx

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                            I am greatly looking forward to using my new Optio W90 waterproof camera for snorkelling trips and beach trips. [...]

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • Yes

                            Comment on this review

                            (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            4.0

                            Great features, OK photos

                            By Traveling Matt

                            from Montreal, QC

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easy to Use
                            • Large Clear LCD
                            • Small / Compact

                            Cons

                            • Lag / Shutter Delay
                            • Poor in Low Light
                            • Short Battery Life

                            Best Uses

                            • Family Photos
                            • Macro Photography
                            • Travel
                            • Wet or cold conditions

                            Comments about Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black):

                            The Optio W90 has some excellent features - time lapse shooting, convenient FN button (for white balance, exposure adjustment, etc.) that can be optionally be set as the "easy mode" button, good customization options, nice selection of focus modes, a decent if unspectacular lens, and excellent build quality.

                            The LED lights for macro shooting are a nice touch.

                            The ability to use the separately sold remote control is a nice touch, but be aware that it only works facing the camera, and that the remote is not waterproof, only water resistant (i.e. rain OK, immersion not).

                            There is a bit of shutter lag, which is to be expected with a camera of this class, but the camera is very quick and responsive for other functions (changing settings, reviewing photos, etc.).

                            Photo quality is very good as long as you use it in optimal conditions. A great camera for a sunny day at the beach or pool, no worries about sand or water. But it does struggle badly as soon as lighting conditions get a little challenging. This should come as no surprise, as much the same will be true of any camera with a sensor this small.

                            Battery life is mediocre, so it's wise to carry a spare.

                            All in all a very good camera as long as you respect its limitations.

                            • Ease of Operation:
                            • 7
                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Comment on this review

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                            Memory Cards

                            Required item: Sufficient memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.

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                            Batteries & Power

                            Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.

                            Pentax -  Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
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                            Bags & Straps

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                            Screen Protectors

                            Protect your LCD screen from scratches and finger prints.

                            GGI -  Digital Camera/Camcorder Screen Protector Kit
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                            Card Readers

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                            GGI -  Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) Memory Card Reader - USB 2.0
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                            What's in the Box

                            Pentax Optio W90 Compact Digital Camera (Black)
                             
                             
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